Theory 091/Veterinary Medicine
Resistance Is a Group Ratio
The claim
Antimicrobial resistance in livestock is set by the ratio of group to individual treatment rather than by total consumption.
01The mechanism
Group treatment exposes healthy animals to subtherapeutic doses, which selects for resistance without treating disease; individual treatment concentrates exposure where it is needed.
02Predictions
- P1Resistance should track the ratio.
- P2Total consumption should mispredict.
03Refutation
Resistance tracking total consumption would remove the ratio.